Librarian Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Reference and Instruction Librarian position at Stanford University Libraries. As an MLIS graduate with three years of academic library experience and a passion for information literacy instruction, I am excited to support Stanford students and faculty in their research endeavors. My library experience includes: • Provided reference services answering 500+ research questions annually across diverse disciplines • Taught 40+ information literacy instruction sessions reaching 800+ undergraduate and graduate students • Developed LibGuides on research methods, citation management, and subject-specific resources (15,000+ annual views) • Conducted one-on-one research consultations helping students develop effective search strategies • Collaborated with faculty to integrate information literacy into course curricula • Managed chat and email reference services, maintaining 95% user satisfaction rating I am proficient in library databases (Web of Science, JSTOR, PubMed, ProQuest), citation management tools (Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley), and instructional technologies. My Master's degree in Library and Information Science from University of Washington emphasized user-centered services and evidence-based librarianship. Stanford's commitment to research excellence and innovative library services makes this my ideal position. I am particularly excited about contributing to the Libraries' information literacy initiatives and supporting interdisciplinary research. My reference expertise, teaching skills, and dedication to user services position me to excel as a reference and instruction librarian at Stanford. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with Stanford Libraries' needs. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rachel Thompson MLIS, University of Washington

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Adult Services Librarian position at the New York Public Library's Manhattan branch. As a librarian with five years of public library experience and a commitment to community engagement, I am eager to serve NYPL's diverse patron population. My public library accomplishments include: • Managed adult programming reaching 1,200+ patrons annually, including author talks, technology workshops, and cultural events • Provided readers' advisory services helping patrons discover books across all genres • Developed technology instruction programs teaching digital literacy, job searching, and Microsoft Office skills to 300+ adults • Coordinated community partnerships with local organizations to expand library services • Managed book clubs and discussion groups fostering community engagement • Assisted patrons with resume writing, job applications, and computer skills I have extensive experience with integrated library systems (Sierra, Koha), collection development, and program evaluation. My commitment to inclusive services and my Spanish language proficiency allow me to serve diverse communities effectively. NYPL's mission to inspire learning and strengthen communities aligns perfectly with my professional values. I am particularly excited about developing programs that address community needs and promote lifelong learning. My programming expertise, patron service skills, and community engagement experience position me to contribute meaningfully to NYPL's adult services. I look forward to discussing how I can support NYPL's mission. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Maria Gonzalez MLIS, Queens College

Dear Search Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Data Services Librarian position at Harvard University Library. As a librarian with expertise in data management, statistical software, and research support, I am excited to help researchers navigate the evolving landscape of data-intensive research. My data services experience includes: • Provided consultations on data management planning for 100+ research projects across sciences and social sciences • Taught workshops on R, Python, data visualization, and reproducible research methods • Assisted researchers with finding, accessing, and using secondary data sources (ICPSR, Dataverse, government data) • Developed resources on data citation, sharing, and preservation best practices • Collaborated with faculty to integrate data literacy into graduate curricula • Served on institutional research data committee advising on data policies I am proficient in R, Python, SQL, and statistical analysis tools (SPSS, Stata), with strong knowledge of data management best practices, metadata standards, and data repositories. My combined MLIS and MS in Statistics positions me to bridge library science and data science. Harvard's leadership in research data services and commitment to open science make this an ideal opportunity. I am particularly excited about contributing to the Data Science Services team and supporting reproducible research initiatives. My technical expertise, instructional skills, and understanding of research workflows position me to excel as a data services librarian. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, David Park MLIS, University of Illinois; MS Statistics, Stanford University

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to apply for the Manuscript Cataloger position in the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress. As an archivist with expertise in manuscript cataloging and special collections, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to preserving and providing access to the nation's documentary heritage. My relevant qualifications include: • Cataloged 2,500+ manuscript items and archival collections using DACS, MARC, and EAD standards • Processed personal papers of prominent authors, politicians, and activists • Created detailed finding aids enabling researcher access to complex archival collections • Digitized fragile historical materials following preservation best practices • Provided reference services for researchers using manuscript collections • Collaborated with curators on exhibition planning and outreach initiatives I am proficient in archival description standards (DACS, EAD, MARC21), cataloging tools (ArchivesSpace, Archivists' Toolkit), and preservation techniques. My Master's degree in Library and Information Science with Archives concentration from University of Michigan provided comprehensive training in archival theory and practice. The Library of Congress's unparalleled collections and commitment to access make this my dream position. I am particularly honored by the opportunity to help preserve materials of national significance. My cataloging expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to providing researcher access position me to excel in this role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the Library's needs. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Elizabeth Mitchell MLIS with Archives Concentration, University of Michigan

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Science Librarian position at Yale University Library. As a librarian with a background in chemistry and four years of science library experience, I am eager to support Yale's research and teaching mission in the sciences. My science library experience includes: • Provided specialized reference and research support for chemistry, biology, and environmental science departments • Taught discipline-specific information literacy sessions on literature searching, citation analysis, and research impact • Managed science journal and database collections with $800K annual budget • Conducted citation analysis and bibliometric studies for faculty promotion and grant applications • Developed subject guides for chemistry techniques, bioinformatics tools, and environmental datasets • Partnered with faculty on systematic reviews and meta-analyses I hold a BS in Chemistry and MLIS, combining subject expertise with library science knowledge. I am proficient in scientific databases (SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus), citation management, and emerging research technologies. Yale's excellence in scientific research and the library's commitment to innovative services make this an ideal position. I am particularly excited about supporting interdisciplinary science research and contributing to data management initiatives. My scientific background, library expertise, and commitment to researcher support position me to thrive as Yale's science librarian. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to Yale University Library. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jonathan Lee BS Chemistry, Cornell University; MLIS, Rutgers University

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Youth Services Librarian position at the Chicago Public Library's Woodson Regional Library. As a children's librarian with passion for literacy promotion and five years of youth programming experience, I am excited to inspire young readers in Chicago's South Side community. My youth services accomplishments include: • Developed and led storytimes for ages 0-5, engaging 50+ children weekly in early literacy activities • Managed summer reading program serving 400+ children, increasing participation by 30% over two years • Created STEAM programming introducing children to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts • Partnered with local schools to provide library tours and book talks reaching 600+ students annually • Built collection of diverse, culturally relevant children's and teen books • Trained volunteers and teen library assistants in customer service and program support I have extensive knowledge of children's and young adult literature, early literacy best practices, and developmentally appropriate programming. My experience working with diverse communities and my commitment to equity in library services position me to serve Chicago families effectively. Chicago Public Library's commitment to youth development and community engagement aligns perfectly with my professional mission. I am particularly excited about developing programs that support literacy and provide enriching experiences for all children. My programming expertise, literature knowledge, and dedication to youth services make me an ideal candidate for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Keisha Williams MLIS, Dominican University

Dear Search Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Engineering Librarian position at MIT Libraries. As a librarian with an engineering background and expertise in technical information services, I am excited to support MIT's world-class engineering research and education. My engineering library experience includes: • Provided research support for mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering faculty and students • Taught workshops on patent searching, standards databases, and technical literature reviews • Managed engineering collection including IEEE, ASME, and ASCE digital resources • Assisted with systematic reviews and literature searches for research publications and grant proposals • Developed guides on engineering design resources, technical specifications, and industry standards • Collaborated with engineering faculty to embed information literacy in capstone design courses I hold a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MLIS, combining technical knowledge with information science expertise. I am proficient in engineering databases (Compendex, Inspec, IEEE Xplore), patent databases (USPTO, EPO, WIPO), and bibliometric analysis tools. MIT's engineering excellence and the library's innovative approach to research support make this my ideal position. I am particularly excited about contributing to data management initiatives and supporting the engineering community's evolving information needs. My engineering background, library expertise, and commitment to researcher success position me to excel in this role. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Robert Chen BS Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley; MLIS, UCLA

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to apply for the Digital Services Librarian position at Boston Public Library. As a librarian with expertise in digital collections, web technologies, and user experience, I am excited to expand digital access to BPL's collections and services. My digital library accomplishments include: • Managed digitization projects creating online access to 5,000+ historical photographs and documents • Developed digital collection metadata using Dublin Core, MODS, and VRA Core standards • Implemented digital repository platform (CONTENTdm) for preserving and sharing digital content • Created user-friendly digital exhibits highlighting special collections materials • Conducted usability testing to improve library website and digital services • Trained staff on digital asset management, copyright considerations, and digital preservation I am proficient in content management systems (WordPress, Drupal), metadata schemas, digital preservation standards (OAIS, PREMIS), and basic web technologies (HTML, CSS). My commitment to accessibility and user-centered design ensures digital resources serve all patrons. Boston Public Library's historic collections and commitment to innovation make this an exciting opportunity. I am particularly interested in expanding digital access to BPL's unique materials and developing engaging online experiences. My technical skills, project management experience, and user-focused approach position me to advance BPL's digital initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Boston Public Library. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Sarah Martinez MLIS, Simmons University